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Dr. Sophia Yin's

Low Stress Handling® and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats

Second Edition

Anticipated Release September 2024

About the book

Building on Dr. Sophia Yin's foundational work, the latest edition of “Low Stress Handling®, Restraint, and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats” reaches beyond its original focus of her Ten General Handling Principles. This edition not only maintains its emphasis on minimal restraint and a deeper comprehension of animal emotional states, but also the most current evidence-based techniques for feline handling. Additionally, it incorporates cooperative care concepts applicable to both dogs and cats, exploring the impact of choice and control in behavior modification.

Initially aimed at veterinary professionals, the book has broadened its reach, now addressing a wider audience involved in animal care. It advocates for humane and effective handling practices across various professional fields and for caregivers. This edition is specifically designed to enhance the understanding and practical application of these compassionate methods.

By using cooperative care and behavior modification techniques and recognizing the importance of the animal's choice and control, Low Stress Handling® continues to make significant contributions to improving animal welfare and strengthening the human-animal bond.

The 2nd Edition contains

  • modern science-based techniques
  • contributions by leading professionals in
    the field of animal behavior
  • inclusion of current feline handling practice guidelines
  • Dr. Sophia Yin’s foundational techniques
  • over 700 photos
  • Low Stress Handling® approach and adjustments to body language and humane handling, cooperative care, training, and behavior modification

Photo courtesy of Ralphie the Daemon Dog.

Jason Lin_Ralphie auscult with cheese_IMG_7597

Testimonials

Hear from the professionals who have read the book.

"This book is the premier one-stop-shopping experience for professionals and dog lovers alike. It has everything you need to both understand and implement evidence-based techniques for happy, confident and behaviorally healthy dogs. Readers should expect detailed and user-friendly explanations of learning and behavior change, inspiring individual case studies, loads of tips for ensuring a comfortable and successful experience at the vet, and so much more. I am honored to be included as a training resource in this book."

Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CDBC, CPDT, author of the Control Unleashed® series

“This edition of Low Stress Handling® is an excellent continuation of Sophia’s legacy principles, with more in-depth information on the science behind low stress handling, and advancements in the tools and techniques to ensure safe and effective handling of the dogs and cats in our care. Dr. Yin’s original work was revolutionary; the second edition of Low Stress Handling® is just as inclusive, innovative and instructional! A must read for veterinary professionals!”

Desiree Broach, MS, DVM, Dipl. ACVB, LTC USA VC

"The new edition of Low Stress Handling® is an invaluable resource for anyone involved in animal care. The information is written in a way that is understandable for all levels of veterinary care givers and the resources available are extraordinarily helpful. This book should be required reading for all who wish to further expand their understanding of animal behavior and appropriate handling. Low Stress Handling® should be included in the resource library of all practitioners and veterinary schools. Highly recommend!"

Nancy Welborn DVM, Associate Professor and Service Chief, Community Practice
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine

Take a peak inside...

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  • Jacqueline Perez Menjivar_Cat exam (1)
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  • willy chin rest platform (1)

Editors

Christine D. Calder

DVM, DACVB, LSHC-S

Pat Koven

BA/Journalism, LVT, KPA CTP, LSHC-S

President of Haulin' Aus, Inc

Contributors 

Colleen S. Koch

DVM, DACVB

Co -Owner Lincoln Land Animal Clinic, LTD.

Jacksonville, IL, USA

Jessica Benoit

RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA

Co-owner and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior 

Companion Veterinary Clinic

Edmonton, AB, Canada

Monique Feyrecilde

BA, LVT, VTS (Behavior)

Teaching Animals

Auburn, WA, USA

Sherrie Yuschak

RVT, VTS (Behavior), KPA-CTP

Faculty
Karen Pryor Academy for Animal Training and Behavior

Lillington, NC, USA

Sandra Robbins

CVT, VTS (anesthesia & analgesia), CPDT-KSA, KPA-CTP

Behavior Technician

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Tufts University

North Grafton, MA, USA

Katharine Schwarz

RVT, KPA CTP

Owner
Kat, Behaviour Tech
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Desiree Broach

DVM, MS, DACVB

Deputy Director & Chief of Behavior

LTC Daniel E Holland MWD Hospital

JBSA-Lackland, TX, USA

M. Leanne Lilly

DVM, DACVB

Assistant Professor - Clinical, Service Head - Behavioral Medicine

The Ohio State University

Veterinary Medical Center at Dublin

Dublin, OH, USA

Stephanie Borns-Weil

DVM, DACVB

Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences

Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Tufts University

North Grafton, MA, USA

Anneliese Heinrich

MSc, DVM

Rockyview Veterinary Behaviour Consulting

Cochrane, AB, Canada

Laura Ward Ansel

DVM

Owner and Veterinarian

Louisiana Veterinary Behavior Services

Mandeville, LA, USA